Erythematosus usually appears in one of two forms: Discoid
Lupus Erythematosus (the skin form, called discoid LE) or
Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (the internal form, called
systematic LE or SLE). Neither form is contagious.
LE has a particular type of skin rash with raised, red, scaly
areas, often with healing in the centres. These rashes are
seen most commonly on the face and other areas exposed to light.
Usually patients with Discoid LE have normal integral organs.
Lupus Erythematosus (or SLE) is classified as a rheumatic
disease in the same family as Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is
a long-lasting systematic inflammatory disease, which causes
changes in the blood vessels and connective tissue.
causes damage to the structure of the organs and how they
function - organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys. It
can also affect the joints, muscles, skin, nervous system and
also the digestive system